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was silenced. He had achieved what was to him a near heaven. Alinor's passionate attention to every detail of this magnificent costume was not only the mark of a good wife but showed that she did not intend to outshine him, which she could have done most subtly. It was, of course, his squires' duty to clean his armor, but whether or not Owain was joking about the thrice-returned mail, that duty had been carefully and lovingly performed. What was more, the love and pride the boys had for him shone in their faces this morning. To top all, that Jamie and Beorn should help with a task well beneath their stations, a thing Alinor would not have asked of them, displayed a heartfelt devotion. Because of what had befallen Ian before he came into Simon's hands, he needed love. Here it was being poured out on him, and for a little while his joy was such that he could not speak. |
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His attention was recalled by hearing Owain murmur to Geoffrey, ''You do it. Your hands are lighter." |
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That might be true, Ian thought, realizing the boys had reached the point in dressing him of tying his cross garters, but Owain did not like to be scolded. It was a pleasure to see Geoffrey reach unhesitatingly for the scarlet laces, to see his eyes flick up briefly but trustfully as he warned, "Say if I hurt you, lord." Just right, Ian decided. He loves me, I him, and both of us love Joanna. Somehow Alinor must be brought round to see how valuable such a strong blood bond would be. |
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"Let me help you up, lord," Owain urged. |
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"Good God," Ian exclaimed as Geoffrey brought his surcoat, "all I need is halo and I can be one of those painted images they use in the churches of the Holy Land." |
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The garment was magnificent, scarlet velvet, gold embroidered and set withIan lifted the border close so that he could seepearls that, he would swear, had been added later. A notion dawned on him that made |
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